Rockies @ Astros

[Surfguy]

I am so pissed. My power went out for the first 4 innings and the last 2 innings. What a f*cked up night!

[PhiSlammaJamma]

Tomorrow, we play late so we'll know our fate heading into that game, and the next.

[xiki]

I wish...Garner, who has done an EXCELLENT job, would have saved Lidge tonite (as he should have pulled Roy O an inning or TWO last start).

If Duckworth never graces MMP's mound again that will be AOK with me.

[Nick]

Originally posted by xiki
I wish...Garner, who has done an EXCELLENT job, would have saved Lidge tonite (as he should have pulled Roy O an inning or TWO last start).

Huh? Save him for what?? April??

There's no tommorow if the Astros lose any of these games... and with only a 2 run lead, and a very hot hitting team (keep in mind that Helton was left on deck in the 9th, with Burnitz following him), this is a tailor-made situation for your CLOSER.

Now, if he was bringing in Lidge in the 7th, you may have had an argument... but with the off day yesterday, Lidge had more than enough to play today.

Finally... he threw a grand total of 9 pitches. I think he'll be fine for the rest of the series.

[shawn786]

Originally posted by Nick
Huh? Save him for what?? April??

There's no tommorow if the Astros lose any of these games... and with only a 2 run lead, and a very hot hitting team (keep in mind that Helton was left on deck in the 9th, with Burnitz following him), this is a tailor-made situation for your CLOSER.

Now, if he was bringing in Lidge in the 7th, you may have had an argument... but with the off day yesterday, Lidge had more than enough to play today.

Finally... he threw a grand total of 9 pitches. I think he'll be fine for the rest of the series.

I second this post

[RocketManJosh]

Well at best the Astros are going to be up 1 game on Sunday .. Guess that means Clemens is going to be our starter

[rockets-#1]

YES, ASTROS, YES!




They better not ever trade or let Lidge walk.

[francis 4 prez]

Originally posted by DaDakota

PS. Anyone else think Lidge is harder to hit than Wagner?


it's pretty close. in terms of their career, wager has a 2.55 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and .186 BAA. lidge's numbers stand at 2.96, 1.14, and .200.

lidge this season has a .176 BAA and a 1.93 ERA and .93 WHIP. amazing numbers. wagner is at 2.47/.78(!)/.183.

in terms of his best season, in 1999 wagner's BAA was an unfreakinbelievable .135. an opponents OPS of .419 with a WHIP of .78 and ERA of 1.57. that is just a season for the ages. it seemed like his fastball was never faster and he could locate it wherever he pleased. he could paint both corners and get people out on the high fastball as well. he was so dominating it was ridiculous. even lidge's current year looks average compared to wagner in 1999.

wagner was also amazing last year going 44 of 47 in saves, with a BAA of .169, an OPS of .499, a 1.78 ERA, and .87 WHIP.

now obviously some of his other seasons weren't as good but wagner at his best outpaced lidge at his best (so far) by a solid amount on BAA. overall it's pretty close.

i'm just glad they both pitched for us.

[Harrisment]

Originally posted by Nick
Huh? Save him for what?? April??

There's no tommorow if the Astros lose any of these games... and with only a 2 run lead, and a very hot hitting team (keep in mind that Helton was left on deck in the 9th, with Burnitz following him), this is a tailor-made situation for your CLOSER.

Now, if he was bringing in Lidge in the 7th, you may have had an argument... but with the off day yesterday, Lidge had more than enough to play today.

Finally... he threw a grand total of 9 pitches. I think he'll be fine for the rest of the series.

Amen. If you're not gonna use your closer in a 2 run must win game, then when are you going to use him? :confused:

[Miguel]

If Lidge comes in to pitch the next 2 games for 1 inning...and strikes out the side both times...that gives him an extra 6 Ks in 2.0 innings.



Add 153 + 6 Ks

Add 93 1/3 + 2 IP

(159K / 95 1/3 IP) * 9

15.01 K/9


Come on Lidge! Strike out the side tonight and tomorrow!

2004 Lidge 15.01 95.1 (projected)
2003 Gagne 14.98 82
1999 Wagner 14.95 75
1999 Benitez 14.77 78

[bronxfan]

Originally posted by Surfguy
I am so pissed. My power went out for the first 4 innings and the last 2 innings. What a f*cked up night!

hey don't complain.... i live in albuquerque (considered Rockies and D-back country) and so even though i paid $159 this year Extra Innings it got blacked out. I get Fox Sports Rocky Mountain but the game was on a local UPN channel (which I can't get since Abq has there own UPN channel). I then bought the one-day pass for MLBTV but forgot that was blacked out also... I was stuck with the Gamecast version and glimpses of highlights during the Giants game....

And to boot the game tonight is the exact same thing....

[meh]

I'm not sure if this has been asked, but assuming we win tonight and the Giants lose, should Clemens go tomorrow night?

Considering we have Backe(our #3 starter) available, I think it's worth the risk to have him go against the Rockies. Even with Backe, you have to like our chances. And the upside is tremendous, by allowing Clemens to (A) get adequate rest, and (B) start the 1st playoff game. Even if we lose and the Giants win, the Rocket can pitch in the one game playoffs on his normal rest.

[DaDakota]

Meh,

I think you have to pitch Clemens, you want to avoid a one game playoff at all costs, if you don't pitch him and we lose and the Giants tie us, you have to pitch him in the WC game anyway, so either way you have to pitch him.

DD

[meh]

Well, I'm not so sure just how much of a sure thing is Clemens on short rest. That's what scares me more than the fact that he won't be available quickly for the playoffs.

Of course, this is looking like a moot point. The Giants are blanking the Dodgers behind Brett Freaking Tomko. Can't believe the Dodgers hitters are picking this time to do some Cub impersonations. :(

[rikesh316]

Colorado
AB R H RBI BB K LOB Season Avg
C. Barmes 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .294
R. Clayton ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .278
T. Helton 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .349
V. Castilla 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .270
J. Burnitz cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .285
B. Hawpe rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .263
T. Greene c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .279
J. Piedra lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .302
S. Estes p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .239
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Houston
AB R H RBI BB K LOB Season Avg
C. Biggio lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .282
C. Beltran cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .269
J. Bagwell 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .269
L. Berkman rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .315
J. Kent 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .285
M. Ensberg 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .277
R. Chavez c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .209
E. Bruntlett ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .224
R. Oswalt p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .147
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Colorado
IP H R ER BB K HR Season ERA
S. Estes 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5.73

Houston
IP H R ER BB K HR Season ERA
R. Oswalt 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.56

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by DaDakota
Meh,

I think you have to pitch Clemens, you want to avoid a one game playoff at all costs, if you don't pitch him and we lose and the Giants tie us, you have to pitch him in the WC game anyway, so either way you have to pitch him.

DD

I totally disagree. I think if the Giamts lose and we win, you hold off on pitching Clemens. This way he is on his normal rest and if we were to lose Sunday, he can pitch the playoff game...and if we win on Sunday (without roger) he pitches Game 1.

[Surfguy]

Their not showing this game on FSSW or 51? ARGH!

[Nick]

Originally posted by Surfguy
Their not showing this game on FSSW or 51? ARGH!

Check 51 again... I'm getting it.

[Surfguy]

I'm in D/FW, though. They usually pick up those games and show them here. I guess their not tonight as I'm getting "World Series of Poker". Sigh... .

[JPM0016]

So far so good. Lets hope the bats came to hit tonight.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Surfguy
I'm in D/FW, though. They usually pick up those games and show them here. I guess their not tonight as I'm getting "World Series of Poker". Sigh... .

Yea... that's probably because this game was not originally on the schedule to be on the Astros network.

It only got added when the Hou/Milwaukee game was shifted to ESPN a couple of weeks ago.

Oswalt got thru the 1st fine... inducing a nice DP from Helton.

[JPM0016]

Biggio delivers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1-0

[Nick]

Leadoff HR by Bidge... that was a major Crawford box shot (meaning it landed in the 1st row).

[codell]

Biggio goes deep!!!

1-0 Stros

[isoman2kx]

bah.... missed the start of the game

*scrambles to tv*

[Nick]

SF/LA update: Dodgers bring the tying run to the plate in the 9th inning. 2 men on, nobody out... down 3-0.

[JPM0016]

Damn you Vinny Castilla :mad:

1-1

[Nick]

Ugh.... never throw a fastball middle-in to Vinny.

He is quite quite good at hitting them.

[RocketManJosh]

they just showed a 3-0 final for the Giant game

its 3-1 bases loaded 1 out for the Dodgers
they need to fix that!!

[isoman2kx]

kent hr! :D

[JPM0016]

Kent goes yard!!!!!!!!!!

2-1

[RocketManJosh]

Way to go Kent!!

[Jebus]

come on Ensberg..

brain cramp. doubled off second on a fly ball.

[JPM0016]

Biggio's done it again!!!!!!!!!!!

3-1

[Nick]

MMP is about to go ballistic when they post that grand slam from the Dodgers game...

[Uprising]

LA WINS!

[weakfromtoday]

YAAAAAAAAAA!!!! Dodgers win!

[Surfguy]

Damn, I just bought a day of video gameplay on MLB.com and, after I already purchased, I tried to pull up the Astros game and it said I could not get the game because of blackout rules. I'm in Dallas so I'm not sure how that applies? I dunno...damn damn damn...!

[Nick]

Originally posted by Surfguy
Damn, I just bought a day of video gameplay on MLB.com and, after I already purchased, I tried to pull up the Astros game and it said I could not get the game because of blackout rules. I'm in Dallas so I'm not sure how that applies? I dunno...damn damn damn...!

yea... you gotta read the fine print on that.... they have a section where you can check your zip code if you're eligible for blackouts.

[Uprising]

Originally posted by Surfguy
Damn, I just bought a day of video gameplay on MLB.com and, after I already purchased, I tried to pull up the Astros game and it said I could not get the game because of blackout rules. I'm in Dallas so I'm not sure how that applies? I dunno...damn damn damn...!

That sucks, thats the reason I am not going to attempt to buy the mlb video.

I am in COllege Station.

[isoman2kx]

maybe a dumb question

but if I buy it from mlb tv

i'm in houston..... would I get it?

[Uprising]

alright here we go! 2on 1 out!

[Stevierebel]

Originally posted by isoman2kx
maybe a dumb question

but if I buy it from mlb tv

i'm in houston..... would I get it?


no, black out restrictions

[Nick]

Originally posted by isoman2kx
maybe a dumb question

but if I buy it from mlb tv

i'm in houston..... would I get it?

No... don't do it... just go somewhere and watch the game.

[isoman2kx]

eh... can't stuck here lol

plus don't have a car at my disposal per say

[Nick]

Alright.... lets get our own little grand salami right here...

[Surfguy]

I can't believe Biggio. That is awesome! Him and Jeff are coming up big! Go Stros!

[Uprising]

bases juiced 1 out.

Ensberg to bat.

[Nick]

walked in a run...

Damn, we're not gonna see much more of Estes at this rate (and that's a bad thing).

[isoman2kx]

walked in a run! :]

4-1

[Uprising]

HE WALKED HIM!

4-2 good guys.

Bases juiced. 1 out.

[Nick]

the Chamo magic is gone... but still its 4-1 Astros.


EDIT: But, how about the 9th inning magic the Astros have working for them against their opponents:

they rally against the Giants in the 9th
The Cubs lose a 3-0 lead to the Mets in the 9th.
The Cubs blow a 2-1 lead to the Red in the 9th.
The Dodgers score 7 in the 9th to win 7-3.

AMAZING!!!

[codell]

Man. Was really hoping we could bust the game open that inning, get Roy's 20th in 5 innings and let Redding mop up.

[Nick]

What's gotten into Craig?!?!?

Now, he's making plays in the field as well!!!

[Jebus]

what a play by Bidge!

stupid Rockies announcers were going on and on about how he didn't catch it.

then they showed a replay, and he said "I'll be darned, he did catch it."

[Nick]

ROY! keep it down to Vinny... please.

[Uprising]

Originally posted by Nick
What's gotten into Craig?!?!?

Now, he's making plays in the field as well!!!

The dream is becoming a reality....it's out year. ;)

[isoman2kx]

just curious

why are some games blacked out sometimes?

[fatman510]

Originally posted by isoman2kx
just curious

why are some games blacked out sometimes?
The idea is that if no games were blacked out, not as many people would go to the games, they would just stay at home.

[Nick]

Originally posted by isoman2kx
just curious

why are some games blacked out sometimes?

In the case of mlb.tv, its so that you either goto the ballpark and watch it, or you're in an area which sometimes broadcasts local games... so they want you to watch it on over-the-air tv.

Of course, some areas don't get all the games all the time... but MLB isn't going to take that into account for every circumstance, so they just make widespread blackout areas.

[Uprising]

Originally posted by isoman2kx
just curious

why are some games blacked out sometimes?

If it is being broadcasted in your city on tv then you will be black out. The reason is to allow the local stations to exclusively show it.

[isoman2kx]

ahh....

guess it seems obvious but never could think of a reason as to why they might be blacked out

thanks for explaining

[Uprising]

Well my Aggies are about to take the lead over Kansas St. What a great day!

[Nick]

Originally posted by Uprising
Well my Aggies are about to take the lead over Kansas St. What a great day!

gig 'em?

[codell]

Did yall hear about what happened with the Twins game?

[DarkHorse]

Nope. Fill us in, codell.

[fatman510]

Originally posted by codell
Did yall hear about what happened with the Twins game?
no, what happened?

[Uprising]

what happened?

[isoman2kx]

they had to clear out for a college football game I believe.

not sure on the two college teams, but they had the dome reserved for a certain time and the game was running close to when they needed to kickoff by.

[weakfromtoday]

Originally posted by codell
Did yall hear about what happened with the Twins game?

Had to end the game in the 11th so they could get the place ready for the football game tonight. sad.

[JPM0016]

Bruntlett!!!!!!!!!!!

4-1

[codell]

BRUNTLETT GOES YARD!!!!!!!!!!!

Garner is a G E N I U S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[adw]

ERICCCCC!!!!

[isoman2kx]

w0000000000000000000000t! :D

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by JPM0016
Bruntlett!!!!!!!!!!!

4-1

i mean 5-1

[Jebus]

ridiculous.

sick, just sick!

[Uprising]

we rule! Go Stros!

[codell]

Originally posted by weakfromtoday
Had to end the game in the 11th so they could get the place ready for the football game tonight. sad.

yep

pretty bush league if you ask me ...they should have just pushed back the start of the football game

[isoman2kx]

man

hr's galore tonight lol

[weakfromtoday]

Originally posted by codell
yep

pretty bush league if you ask me ...they should have just pushed back the start of the football game

Reminds me of being a little kid and having to leave the park when the big kids wanna play.

[codell]

BTW ...how in the hell has Burnitz gotten away with playing CF all year?? :confused:

[codell]

nice hustle there by Beltran

[Nick]

Yea Bruntlett!

Alright here's a question... I know a lot of people who have Texans game tickets who also have Astros tickets tommorow.

Which one do you go to if you have both tickets tommorow???? (Keep in mind how expensive individual game football tickets are, and the fact that it is 1 out of only 7 home games left).

Personally... I'll take a possible "clincher" with the Rocket on the mound any day of the week... but that's just me. (and I'm probably a bigger football fan overall... but I guess the 'stros contention wins over).

[weakfromtoday]

Originally posted by Nick
Yea Bruntlett!

Alright here's a question... I know a lot of people who have Texans game tickets who also have Astros tickets tommorow.

Which one do you go to if you have both tickets tommorow???? (Keep in mind how expensive individual game football tickets are, and the fact that it is 1 out of only 7 home games left).

Personally... I'll take a possible "clincher" with the Rocket on the mound any day of the week... but that's just me.

Sell the Texans tickets. Go to MMP. Easy one.



BTW, am I the only one who has their computer and television in seperate rooms and has to run to the other room to post when something happens on tv? :D

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Nick
Which one do you go to if you have both tickets tommorow???? (Keep in mind how expensive individual game football tickets are, and the fact that it is 1 out of only 7 home games left).


I was at the pennant clinching game back in 1997. It was Ryne Sandbergs last game at the Dome. Hampton pitched a 9 inning gem and even Brad Ausmus unleashed a 3 run home run. After it was all over i spent a good 15 minutes on the astrodome turf celebrating. I will take a baseball pennant clinching game over a raiders/texans football game any day of the week.

[Uprising]

Originally posted by weakfromtoday
Sell the Texans tickets. Go to MMP. Easy one.



BTW, am I the only one who has their computer and television in seperate rooms and has to run to the other room to post when something happens on tv? :D

My tv is next to me. my pc is infront of me....so yes?

[fatman510]

whats is the date of game 1 of the NLDS?

[isoman2kx]

tuesday.

[fatman510]

Originally posted by isoman2kx
tuesday.
Isnt that the date of a would-be playoff game for the WC?

[bigballerj]

1-2-3 inning after the leadoff double. Only 12 outs to go. :D

[isoman2kx]

Originally posted by fatman510
Isnt that the date of a would-be playoff game for the WC?

hmm, I don't think so

I was watching espn and I think the playoff game would be monday

although .... doesn't make much sense if the series started the next day

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by fatman510
Isnt that the date of a would-be playoff game for the WC?

We won't have to worry about that :)

[Nick]

Originally posted by fatman510
Isnt that the date of a would-be playoff game for the WC?

Woulda could shouda.... the Giants lost today.

Thus, if we win out... its ours.

If we lose one and they win one, playoff is on Monday.

[fatman510]

Originally posted by Nick
Woulda could shouda.... the Giants lost today.

Thus, if we win out... its ours.

If we lose one and they win one, playoff is on Monday.
Yeah I know, but does that mean if there is no one game playoff for the WC, the NLDS with the Braves starts Tuesday?

[Luckyazn]

Question: Lets say the Astros win tonite? Do you go with Clemens tomorrow to LOCK UP THE WILDCARD ... or do you go with say Backe (he's been pitching pretty good) and save Clemens more for ALT.

Maybe Clemens could go 2 games in that series





:) :)

[codell]

I go with Backe tomorrow if we win tonight.

[Nick]

Originally posted by fatman510
Yeah I know, but does that mean if there is no one game playoff for the WC, the NLDS with the Braves starts Tuesday?

Yea... i'm pretty sure that the playoffs were starting tuesday in Atlanta.... unless there was a three-way tie (then it would have started Wednesday).

If its another Braves-stros series, expect another afternoon game... (the Yankees game has already been declared as the primetime game... and they don't even know who they're playing yet).

[weakfromtoday]

WOW. Another shot by Kent to the Crawford Boxes!

[Nick]

KENT IS A GOD!!!

[codell]

KENT GOES DEEP AGAIN!!!!


and guess what???

KENT IS SMILING!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D

[JPM0016]

Kent's done it again!!!!!

7-1

[adw]

KENTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!:eek:

[Luckyazn]

A HOME-RUN EVERY INNING!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZYYYYY MAN!!!

BRING ON ALT, ST LOUIS, YANKEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D :D

[isoman2kx]

CHRIST!!!!!!!!!


I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!!!!! :D

[Surfguy]

WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!

[codell]

curtain call for Kent!!!

damn i love these guys!!!

[Nick]

Curtain call JK!!!

He indeed is actually having fun playing baseball... only in H-town!

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by codell
I go with Backe tomorrow if we win tonight.

I would too. If worst came to worst, i'd bring Clemens out of the bullpen.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Luckyazn
BRING ON ALT...
(dumb joke coming...)

...Followed by CTRL and DEL?!?

:D :D :D

[bigballerj]

Geez! Astros need to save some of these HR's for the postseason. :D :D :D

[Nick]

Originally posted by JPM0016
I would too. If worst came to worst, i'd bring Clemens out of the bullpen.

Garner's thinking is this... he'd rather have Clemens go on 3 days rest, than having to a.) fly cross country to San Fran to play an afternoon game with Clemens on 4 days rest . AND b.) if they were to win that game, having to fly cross country to Atlanta to play another afternoon game on Tuesday.

Of course, you could gamble that the team will come out and win even if Backe is on the mound... but you don't gamble on things like making the playoffs... you gotta get there before you can gamble.

He already said he'd manage it as if it were "tied" if they were one-up going into Sunday.

[isoman2kx]

Originally posted by Nick
Garner's thinking is this... he'd rather have Clemens go on 3 days rest, than having to a.) fly cross country to San Fran to play an afternoon game with Clemens on 4 days rest . AND b.) if they were to win that game, having to fly cross country to Atlanta to play another afternoon game on Tuesday.

Of course, you could gamble that the team will come out and win even if Backe is on the mound... but you don't gamble on things like making the playoffs... you gotta get there before you can gamble.

He already said he'd manage it as if it were "tied" if they were one-up going into Sunday.

Agree fully.

I'd throw clemens out there regardless of the outcome of the giants game.... I'd rather win and knock them out then gamble with backe or someone else.

[Uprising]

I love this team.

the man who has been doing most of the clutch hitting for us lately has been Baggy, but since he isn't getting it done tonight other guyd have stepped up to do the job.

Biggio, Kent....4HR's....amazing. Also, it's great to see Eric in there and hitting.

[codell]

Brown just seemed to confirm it:

Clemens is going tomorrow

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Nick
He already said he'd manage it as if it were "tied" if they were one-up going into Sunday.

I know and he makes complete sense; sometimes i just can't help but think about a Game 1 matchup.

[isoman2kx]

judging by sportsradio

beltran just made a hell of a catch in the outfield

[fatman510]

Please please please resign Carlos Beltran

[codell]

Originally posted by isoman2kx
judging by sportsradio

beltran just made a hell of a catch in the outfield

Not really. He just had to run down a potential gapper, but didn't have to dive or jump.

He made it look pretty easy.

[Uprising]

Originally posted by codell
Not really. He just had to run down a potential gapper, but didn't have to dive or jump.

He made it look pretty easy.

thats the thing about Beltran, he is so good he makes everything look easy.

[isoman2kx]

Originally posted by codell
Not really. He just had to run down a potential gapper, but didn't have to dive or jump.

He made it look pretty easy.


ahh I see.

[Nick]

What? No homeruns this inning?

Is something wrong with the team???;)

[Dream Sequence]

Time to sit Oswalt in preperation for Atlanta!

[Jebus]

Originally posted by Nick
What? No homeruns this inning?

Is something wrong with the team???;)

they're "saving" them for tomorrow and beyond..

[codell]

hmmmm....suprised to see Oswalt still out there

[deadlybulb]

This is frickin awesome!!!

I'm in DC and have league pass, but they're not showing the game!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Nice to see the updates on the board, though :D

Go 'Stros!!!!!!!!!!

[Nick]

Originally posted by codell
hmmmm....suprised to see Oswalt still out there

I'd be suprised to see him pitch the 8th... especially if the Astros play add on.

OR

Perhaps, Garner wants to save the bullpen for full strength tommorow, in the likelihood that Clemens can only go 5 innings at the most.

Oswalt has only thrown 90 pitches... but I'm assuming that he should be starting game 2 no matter what, right? (meaning on 3 days rest)

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by codell
hmmmm....suprised to see Oswalt still out there

The bullpen worked 7 innings yesterday, perhaps thats having some influence. Or Garner wants to make sure we seal this victory.

[JPM0016]

Ensberg goes yard!!!!!!!!

8-1

[Nick]

Glad to see the HR an inning is back... I don't know what was wrong with this team?!? :D

Ensberg hits one over the tracks.

[weakfromtoday]

Morgan goes yard! 6 homeruns today. Brownie said it tied the club record for homeruns in a game.

[adw]

Morgan :D

[isoman2kx]

was getting awfully worried when we didn't hit a hr for the last inning. :o

[codell]

Looks like Wheeler will come in and mop up.

I'd give Redding the 9th in case we need Wheeler tomorrow.

[loadedAballer]

astros on a power binge!!!!!

[Surfguy]

Man oh man! This is a hell of a game to miss. :mad:

Here is what it says in MLB Gameday:

Morgan Ensberg homers (10) on a ground ball to left field.

That must have been some homerun there! :D

[T-2]

Can someone in Astros management please arrange for some power outage, roof malfunction or some kind of glitch to delay the Astros game a few hours tomorrow? Thanks.

Failing that, suggest to Scrap Iron that he start Redding, have him walk the first batter (no problem for him), then do 1500 consecutive pickoff throws. Dodgers game should be about over by then. Then relieve him for our real starting pitcher, which we can select according to our need.

[Nick]

Originally posted by codell
Looks like Wheeler will come in and mop up.

I'd give Redding the 9th in case we need Wheeler tomorrow.

Is Redding on your fantasy team or something? (and you're trailing in only apperances??!?):D :D :D

My vote is for Oliver... just because Garner thinks its good luck to have him mop up.

(Hopefully) good luck to Roy on his 20th...

[isoman2kx]

ep.... small dent in the lead

hr to piedra given up by wheeler.

8-2

[Nick]

I just read that John Thomson (who was hurt today) was slated to start game 2 of the NLDS.... thus, Roy must be on the same schedule as well.

I'll take a Backe, Roy, Clemens (all on full rest) rotation to try and take on the ATL.

Of course, Chipper's and Thomson's injuries make this even more intriguing, should we win the wild card.

[adw]

Ok take him out...now :(

[Jebus]

come on, Wheeler. This is ridiculous.
8-3. and still only 1 out.
Lidge and Miceli may not get that rest after all.

[codell]

Originally posted by Nick

I'll take a Backe, Roy, Clemens (all on full rest) rotation to try and take on the ATL.


Wouldn't the series start Tuesday?

[loadedAballer]

get wheeler out!!!

:mad:

[Nick]

Originally posted by codell
Wouldn't the series start Tuesday?

I just checked the Braves website... and it says that if they play the wild card, their series would start WEDNESDAY!


Link (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/atl/news/atl_news.jsp?ymd=20041002&content_id=879103&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp)

[isoman2kx]

this is getting ridiculous indeed with wheeler :|

[WizzyWig]

Originally posted by codell
Wouldn't the series start Tuesday?

I believe Allan Ashby just said it will start on Wednesday.

[isoman2kx]

yeah..... that's right...... was wondering what they were talking about with 3 days rest.

[adw]

Phew...no more damage done that inning...he got two huge bats out following that double by clayton.

[fatman510]

OK, games 1 and 2 on wednesday and thursday (in atlanta), games 3 and 4 on saturday and sunday (in home of WC winner) then game 5 on monday in atlanta.

[Nick]

What a weird way to end it... Castilla definitely fouled off that pitch. Way to pay off the umps this week Drayton...

Now this makes sense (regarding the WC situation):

MLB already decided that if the Braves play the NL West champs in the Dodgers, that series would start on Tuesday...

Anything else, means the series starts on Wednesday (leaving room for a 3-way tie, etc.).

That way, they can tell their ticketholders when the game is, so they can made adjustments for those (horrible) afternoon starts.

[JPM0016]

Ok, if Houston meets Atlanta on Wednesday, what's the game time? or has that been determined yet?

[Jebus]

Originally posted by Nick
What a weird way to end it... Castilla definitely fouled off that pitch. Way to pay off the umps this week Drayton...


Actually on the replay it looks to me like the ball deflected off the catcher's glove after Castilla missed it.

I think the ump was right.

[codell]

Originally posted by fatman510
OK, games 1 and 2 on wednesday and thursday (in atlanta), games 3 and 4 on saturday and sunday (in home of WC winner) then game 5 on monday in atlanta.

That would be cool. Clemens would get an extra days rest.

Of course, thats assuming that Garner doesn't use Roy and Clemens on 3 days rest to start Games 1 and 2

[isoman2kx]

Originally posted by Jebus
Actually on the replay it looks to me like the ball deflected off the catcher's glove after Castilla missed it.

I think the ump was right.


mmm........ thought the game wasn't on tv? lol

[codell]

haha

Garner sending the runner with a 5 run lead.

[WizzyWig]

Originally posted by fatman510
OK, games 1 and 2 on wednesday and thursday (in atlanta), games 3 and 4 on saturday and sunday (in home of WC winner) then game 5 on monday in atlanta.

you beat me to it, but here it is anyway:

Game 1: (Wednesday) - at ATL
Game 2: (Thursday) - at ATL
Game 3: (Saturday) - in Hou
Game 4*: (Sunday) - in Hou
Game 5*: (Monday) - at ATL

*if necessary

[codell]

DAMN

Biggio ALMOST with his first 3 HR game

[Nick]

If we make the playoffs, this WILL be the rotation (definitive):

Game 1 (Wed.) - Backe vs. Wright

Game 2 (Thurs.) - Oswalt vs. Thomson

Game 3 (Sat.) - Clemens (on FIVE days rest) vs. Hampton

ALSO... just saw that Russ Ortiz is not in the rotation for the NLDS (Ortiz is always tough on us, but he's been awful in his last 10 starts)

But, if Thomson is hurt, Ortiz will take his place in game 2.

[Nick]

Originally posted by codell
Of course, thats assuming that Garner doesn't use Roy and Clemens on 3 days rest to start Games 1 and 2

I don't think Phil would do that... you could still get games 2 and 3 out of them with full rest... pretty much a better result than 1 and 2 on 3 days rest. (unless you're a believer in the fact that the 1st playoff game is the most important... which didn't hold true for the Astros in 1999).

[fatman510]

Originally posted by Nick
If we make the playoffs, this WILL be the rotation (definitive):

Game 1 (Wed.) - Backe vs. Wright

Game 2 (Thurs.) - Oswalt vs. Thomson

Game 3 (Sat.) - Clemens (on FIVE days rest) vs. Hampton

ALSO... just saw that Russ Ortiz is not in the rotation for the NLDS (Ortiz is always tough on us, but he's been awful in his last 10 starts)

But, if Thomson is hurt, Ortiz will take his place in game 2.

Why wouldn't they go with Ortiz in one of the first 3 games, is he injured too?

[Jebus]

Originally posted by fatman510
OK, games 1 and 2 on wednesday and thursday (in atlanta), games 3 and 4 on saturday and sunday (in home of WC winner) then game 5 on monday in atlanta.

So, maybe this:

Game 1 wed. - Backe
Game 2 thurs. - Oswalt
off day Friday
Game 3 sat. - Clemens
Game 4 sun. - ???
Game 5 mon. - Oswalt
??

I think that has everyone on normal rest to start.. It allows Clemens to be the guy if we're down 2 coming home.. And start game 1 of the NLCS!

Alternatively, we could start both clemens and oswalt on short rest:

1- Oswalt
2- Clemens
off day
3- Backe
4- ? (depends on situation)
5- Oswalt?

but I don't like this one.. In the other one, we still get Roy 2x and Roger 1 time, but they're on normal rest.

[Nick]

Originally posted by fatman510
Why wouldn't they go with Ortiz in one of the first 3 games, is he injured too?

(note... this was written before Thomson's injury today... it could get Ortiz into the rotation)

From the braves website (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/atl/news/atl_news.jsp?ymd=20041001&content_id=877781&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp) :

The surprise that came out of Cox's postseason rotation announcement was that Ortiz, who spent most of the season as the staff's ace, won't be included during the Division Series.

"(Cox) is the skipper and I'll do whatever he wants me to do," Ortiz said. "It's not an ego thing. It's about this team winning ballgames."

Unfortunately for Ortiz, he hasn't given his team any confidence recently that he could help them win. In his final 10 starts of the season, he allowed 16 homers and went 2-3 with a 6.71 ERA.

"I know the other guys are pitching better than me," Ortiz said. "But I know that I'm going to be able to pitch and I just want to help the team win."

[Jebus]

Originally posted by isoman2kx
mmm........ thought the game wasn't on tv? lol

It's called MLB.com. (streaming video of the Rockies broadcast) :D

Rockies announcers pretty much shut up about it when they saw the slow mo replay at the start of the next inning.

[WizzyWig]

Originally posted by Jebus
So, maybe this:

Game 1 wed. - Backe
Game 2 thurs. - Oswalt
off day Friday
Game 3 sat. - Clemens
Game 4 sun. - ???
Game 5 mon. - Oswalt
??

I think that has everyone on normal rest to start.. It allows Clemens to be the guy if we're down 2 coming home.. And start game 1 of the NLCS!

Alternatively, we could start both clemens and oswalt on short rest:

1- Oswalt
2- Clemens
off day
3- Backe
4- ? (depends on situation)
5- Oswalt?

but I don't like this one.. In the other one, we still get Roy 2x and Roger 1 time, but they're on normal rest.

Is it certain that the 3rd pitcher (outside of clemens and Roy) is going to be Backe?

No Munro or Hernandez?

[codell]

Boy Kent almost looks ...........dare I say it ..........happy

[weakfromtoday]

Jeff Kent actually seemed to be excited and having fun durning his interview with Greg Lucas. What an awesome game.

[codell]

Originally posted by WizzyWig
Is it certain that the 3rd pitcher (outside of clemens and Roy) is going to be Backe?

No Munro or Hernandez?

They haven't said, but I'd be shocked if it was anyone but Backe.

[loadedAballer]

congrats to Roy- finally a 20 game winner!

[Blatz]

I'm so glad TV 51 showed the game. It was great.

The fans, the Biggio chant, the scoreboard changing, Kent's homerun (most by a second baseman), his standing ovation and the win.

[Matador]

I'm kinda worried about tommorrow's game. Jamey Wright has only given up 2 earned runs in his last 2 starts (13 innings)

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5650

I hope the Astros get it done!

[Nick]

Originally posted by Matador
I'm kinda worried about tommorrow's game. Jamey Wright has only given up 2 earned runs in his last 2 starts (13 innings)

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5650

I hope the Astros get it done!

I believe the 'Stros have faced Wright A LOT because of his days in Milwaukee.

Sure, you can't take any pitcher for granted... but at least we've seen him, and had success against him, before.

Plus... you're going to be facing much tougher pitchers in the playoffs anyways... no need to start getting scared now.

[Blatz]

So no matter what now there will be at least a one game play off?

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Blatz
So no matter what now there will be at least a one game play off?

Yes

[xiki]

Originally posted by Matador
I'm kinda worried about tommorrow's game. Jamey Wright has only given up 2 earned runs in his last 2 starts (13 innings)

I hope the Astros get it done!

Nothing scares me anymore (about this season). I called it, didn't I? Of course I didn't call it. A week ago I would not have believed it.

Dusty for Mgr of the Year! :)

[deadlybulb]

Originally posted by Blatz
So no matter what now there will be at least a one game play off?

How is that? I thought with us winning and SF losing, we are now 1 game ahead of them.

They'd have to win tomorrow's game and us lose for a 1 game playoff. if both teams lose, we're in.

I don't get it.

[isoman2kx]

Originally posted by deadlybulb
How is that? I thought with us winning and SF losing, we are now 1 game ahead of them.

They'd have to win tomorrow's game and us lose for a 1 game playoff. if both teams lose, we're in.

I don't get it.

Yeah that's right..... "IF" we both lose tommorow, then we are in the playoffs.

Tommorow, if we lose and SF wins...... then we're tied and thus play a one game playoff on monday.

And.... if we win tommorow , then we don't even have to worry about what the hell the giants do :)

[deadlybulb]

that's what i thought.

sweet!

[synergy]

aint it cool

[hoang17]

hey guys

i went to the game tonight and its by far the best game i've ever been to in my life. The electricity in the ballpark was crazy. I was sitting perfectly angled to the scoreboard when they started changing the board. When the scorekeeper took out the 3 everyone already knew what was coming...but when it actually happened, it felt like the crowd actually willed the dodgers to win the game.

the game itself was awesome! biggio hitting 2 homers...chanting "biggio biggio !!!" and watching kent hit 2 homers and being the all-time hr leader as a 2nd bagger was also memorable. The whole night was great!!!

here's to clinching tomorrow !!! man i wish i could go to tomorrow's game as well. :D

[red]

this just made my day...

i believe...

[RocketManJosh]

If the Astros wanna win this thing they are going to have to take it tomorrow!!

If the Giants are the Wild Card, the Dodgers get to play the Braves, otherwise they have the Cardinals so I don't think we can expect ANY help from them.

Let's go Roger ... This is YOUR game baby!

[Castor27]

Sunday's Probables:

Jamey Wright, RHP (2-2, 3.98) vs. Roger Clemens, RHP (18-4, 2.98)

[Jebus]

Originally posted by RocketManJosh

If the Giants are the Wild Card, the Dodgers get to play the Braves, otherwise they have the Cardinals so I don't think we can expect ANY help from them.


We have to rely on the Dodger-Giant rivalry. Hopefully the Dodgers want the Giants to go home badly enough.

Also, I'm not sure the Cardinals are the scariest team out there since Carpenter is out for the first round (if not more).

Of course, the Astros are going to win, so I just got a free post. :D

[NewRoxFan]

I ma ybe alone on this, but I think I would have rather had the 'stro's stay on rotation and start Backe today. I know, biggest game of the season (actually, yesterday was IMO) and you have to get in the playoffs... but I think Backe would have risen to the occasion, plus a pretty rested bullpen thanks to Oswalt and the hitters. Plus, the tought of Roger starting off the playoffs against the Braves would have been cool... now we have to string one or two of the Munro plus a relief cast of thousand type of games together against the Braves ...

[Jebus]

Originally posted by NewRoxFan
I ma ybe alone on this, but I think I would have rather had the 'stro's stay on rotation and start Backe today. I know, biggest game of the season (actually, yesterday was IMO) and you have to get in the playoffs... but I think Backe would have risen to the occasion, plus a pretty rested bullpen thanks to Oswalt and the hitters. Plus, the tought of Roger starting off the playoffs against the Braves would have been cool... now we have to string one or two of the Munro plus a relief cast of thousand type of games together against the Braves ...

I wouldn't mind starting Backe today, but the Astros can still have Oswalt in game 2, Clemens in game 3, and Oswalt again in game 5 of the Braves series.

[Harrisment]

Originally posted by NewRoxFan
I ma ybe alone on this, but I think I would have rather had the 'stro's stay on rotation and start Backe today. I know, biggest game of the season (actually, yesterday was IMO) and you have to get in the playoffs... but I think Backe would have risen to the occasion, plus a pretty rested bullpen thanks to Oswalt and the hitters. Plus, the tought of Roger starting off the playoffs against the Braves would have been cool... now we have to string one or two of the Munro plus a relief cast of thousand type of games together against the Braves ...

I see what you're saying. But I think first priority has to be getting there. They have to avoid looking ahead to the playoffs, and just concentrate on what gives them the best opportunity to win this game and get there. Is Roger on 3 days rest better than Backe? I would assume so, but I guess we'll find out soon enough.

[isoman2kx]

man!

I want this game to start :)

excited as hell for a possible clinch.

[Bailey]

mlb.com says that Backe's going to start as Roger has stomach flu...

[codell]

Originally posted by Bailey
mlb.com says that Backe's going to start as Roger has stomach flu...

Are you serious?

EDIT: I guess so. MLB has it as their lead story.

[Bailey]

Deadly serious, it says so on the flash thing on the front page.

[Nick]

Wow.... well, you know, I was kinda getting suspicious about all of this when I did not see one quote in the paper, or on Astros.com about how Roger actually feels about starting tommorow.

My guess is that he didn't feel he'd be much of a help today, and the team is better off goin with somebody who's on full rest.

My only fear is that if we lose, does that knock him out tommorow?

[isoman2kx]

hmm....... i hope this is mlb.com's idea of a very sick joke :|

[Nick]

Originally posted by isoman2kx
hmm....... i hope this is mlb.com's idea of a very sick joke :|

No... astros.com is confirming as well.

[isoman2kx]

damn....
espn now has a little blurb about it too :|

[Texas Stoke]

Update 610 sports: Brandon Backe will start the game today. Word is Roger Clemens has stomach virus.

[codell]

According to Baseball Tonight, this was Garner's decision and Clemens wanted to give it a try.

[isoman2kx]

we'll need to break out the bats again though for backe

certainly won't see a clemens-like performance........ although I hope backe can give us a quality start (3 er or less) thru maybe 6 or so.

sigh... that being said though, there's going to be no fan cheering harder in front of his television come the start of the game other than me

[Astro101]

Argh...well, you know what? The way this season has gone, I wouldn't be surprised if Back had a no-hitter or something. Ok, too optimistic, but you'd have to be if you've been following the Stros all season.

[adw]

Garner also said Clemens would pitch against San Fran if we had to face them in a one game playoff.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Texas Stoke
Update 610 sports: Brandon Backe will start the game today. Word is Roger Clemens has stomach virus.

Its called "3-day-itis"

They showed his stats on sportscenter this morning on 3-days rest.... they were scary BAD.

Ah well... now all the people who wanted to save Clemens get their wish... and the 'Stros offense HAS to be on top of their game today. (sometimes, there's been a mental breakdown of the offense when Roger has been pitching).

[codell]

I feel good about Backe going. I think hes up to the challenge and will help prepare him for the playoff pressure.

6 IP 2 ER 5 hits 6 Ks .........Miceli and Lidge mop it up

6-3 Stros

[Sattle]

I like it. It will give Backe some confidence (assuming he does well). He'll need it if he's going to start a playoff game. We can't ride Clemens & Oswalt every game of the playoffs..

[PhiSlammaJamma]

Fine with me. We haven't lost at home in about a month and a half. We could win this with Backe. There's no pressure either. God wants Backe on the field.

[Nick]

Honestly... I love the fact that nobody is panicking here (why should we?)

That's how much confidence Scrap Iron has instilled in not only this team, but the fans of Houston.

I've never seen this team take on this much of an identity before... they're confident, they hustle, they smile... but they play with a killer instinct.

Its awesome baseball in Houston.

[Behad]

Anybody else have way too many windows open? Between the Astros game (at work, can't watch it), the Texans, the BBS, and my fantasy teams, I have about 10 windows I'm juggling right now.

[codell]

Originally posted by Behad
Anybody else have way too many windows open? Between the Astros game (at work, can't watch it), the Texans, the BBS, and my fantasy teams, I have about 10 windows I'm juggling right now.

So if we hear of a meltdown around Texas City, we'll know who is responsible..................:p

[Jebus]

Originally posted by isoman2kx
that being said though, there's going to be no fan cheering hard er in front of his television come the start of the game other than me

sounds like a bet! :D

[Behad]

Originally posted by codell
So if we hear of a meltdown around Texas City, we'll know who is responsible..................:p

Absolutely NOT! You can NOT blame it on me!!



I'm in Deer Park! :p

[DaDakota]

I have had the flu for 4 days now...IT SUCKS !!!

DD

[adw]

I'm sooooo nervous...please stros win it!!!

[codell]

hell of a pitch by Backe

his pitches look sharp today

[drapg]

time for PIP

[Nick]

Way to start is Backe... back to back K's of Helton and Vinny.

And the Texans are about to score..

WOO!

[Jebus]

I'm wondering if AB saw the "99 problems but the Cubs ain't one" sign in the crowd just now.

[Behad]

Wrong forum, my bad

[Surfguy]

Wright has a buttload of movement on his pitches. This could be tough.

[Surfguy]

1st and 3rd...one out! Come on, Stros!

[codell]

Ausmus up with 2 on.

Keep it off the ground Brad!!!!

[codell]

Man, I love Garner!!!!

keeps Brad out of the double play

[Behad]

Cubs are winning, 4-0...

Oh, wait...who cares!:D

[codell]

hopefully Colorado doesn't know about Backe's hitting ability

[codell]

BACKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2-0 stros

[Nick]

BACKE!!!

[adw]

BACKEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!! BEST HITTING PITCHER BESIDES HAMPTON :D

[Behad]

YES!

I love Backe!!!!

[Surfguy]

That's unbelievable! Backe rules!

[codell]

Berkman guns down Piedra at the plate!!!


hell yeah!!!!

[adw]

Hell of a throw and tag :D

[Jebus]

Originally posted by codell
Berkman guns down Piedra at the plate!!!


hell yeah!!!!

Great throw and a nice tag by Ausmus!!!

[Surfguy]

WoW!!!!

[Nick]

Great defense.... man... this is fun.

[codell]

You could see that Piedra hesitated for a split second once he came around 3rd.

That cost him.

[weakfromtoday]

Nice running by Baggs!

[arkoe]

This game feels like a playoff game.

[adw]

Yea Berkman Rbi double..stupid ass fan dont touch the ball.

[codell]

Garner sends Bagswell and then Berkman doubles to drive him home


all the right moves!!


EDIT:

Berkman steals 3rd!!!!!!

[Nick]

They're runnin for it....

Steals steals steals... I love Scrap Iron.

[adw]

Whoooo Kent rbi single! :D

[weakfromtoday]

RBI single by Kent. YAAAAA

[codell]

Originally posted by Nick
They're runnin for it....

Steals steals steals... I love Scrap Iron.

and Kent's signle scores him!!


we need to start calling Garner "Midas" cause everything he touches turns to gold

[Surfguy]

4 - 0 Astros!

This is the best game. We are on our game!

Edit: Did I mention I'm on cloud nine?

[codell]

i absolutely love this

Garner is absolutely saying, "we are playing to win today, not to not lose"

[arkoe]

Originally posted by adw
stupid ass fan dont touch the ball.

They kicked him out.

[PhiSlammaJamma]

woo hoo!

[Nick]

Now Kent is gettin in on the steals... MAN!

[codell]

now Kent steals one!!!!!!

haha

Garner is going for the jugular!!!

[adw]

WHOOOOOOO KENT STEALS 2ND! error gets him to 3rd...hit a sac Ensberg!

[Surfguy]

One sign said:

ASTROS GONE WILD

[adw]

Come on Viz..get Kent home!

[Nick]

EVERYBODY LOVES THE VIZ!!!